by Nerissa Miller

Created on: June 05, 2009

Does talking to people make you anxious? What would you do to overcome your social anxiety? Is that taking a toll on you, and affecting your daily lives?

If you could not avoid communicating with people on social aspects or dealings with your clients, you will need to learn how to face up to the challenge!

Stay up to date with all current events such as movies, television shows, new motor vehicles, new technology etc. These are conversation starters that are very important. You will not regret when you are well prepared for situation in which both parties have no common interests share. You are armed with additional topics for conversation and will not find yourself in an awkward situation.

You may join the Toast Master club to help you build your confidence in public speaking, and to reduce your social phobia. Joining other social entities, organizations, online support group or sports teams that interest you will make it easier for you to get to know more people. You will learn to be more sociable when you share similar interests with people around you, and you will also get to share experiences on how to tackle social anxieties, and to learn how others overcome the phobia will also be of help to you.

Do a role play of the situation you will be facing with the help of your friends. Your friends can point out to you areas you could improve on, and you will have more confidence, and know what to expect in real life situation.

Brainstorm four to five topics for conversations before your meeting. Cater your conversation topics to your audience if you have certain knowledge of your audiences' background, interest or preferences. By doing so, you will be less likely to be caught off guard or in an embarrassing situation that will cause you more anxiety.

Greet your audience with a warm smile, and ask them questions about themselves. People love to share about their lives, and interests, and you might find yourself having common topics to keep the conversation going.

Make eye contact when someone is talking to you. If you find it too difficult to maintain eye contact, look at the space between their eyes or at their foreheads. It will seem like you are making eye contact with them, and make you feel easier while talking.

You may consider getting professional help if you have tried everything, and still could not get out of your nutshell.

Remember that you only live once. You must enjoy your life with people around you by overcoming your social anxiety, and you will find this world a better place to live in.

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